Manzano leaves Sevilla

Coach Gregorio Manzano bid farewell to Sevilla after being informed by the Andalusian club that his contract is not going to be renewed.

Manzano joined Sevilla last September following the sacking of Antonio Alvarez and led them to a fifth-placed finish in the Primera Division and a spot in next season's Europa League.

The experienced coach said: "On Monday in a meeting with the president (Jose Maria del Nido) and the sporting director (Monchi) told me that my contract would not be extended, I thanked them for everything they have done for
me and for the coaching staff.

"We also want to thank the president, the sporting director and the board for first looking to bring us in, it has been an honour and a source of pride.

"They haven`t given me any explanation because I haven`t asked for one. When the president decided to change the project I thanked him for having put me in charge, it was not the time to ask for explanations.

"The team finished fifth, in the cup competitions we were knocked out by the eventual winners (Porto in the Europa League and Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey), these are the facts, if these facts haven`t been sufficient to renew the
contract the only thing to do is to show respect. There is no need to reproach anyone or to question, I want to wish them luck.''

Manzano, who said goodbye to the players and other staff yesterday, added: "I came here quietly and I want to go quietly.''

Manzano left Real Mallorca last summer after leading the Balearic Island club to an impressive fifth-place finish in La Liga. The 55-year-old was in the Mallorca hotseat for seven seasons during two spells, while he has also coached the likes of Atletico Madrid, Racing Santander, Real Valladolid and Rayo Valladolid.